David Maria Turoldo, born Giuseppe Turoldo on November 22, 1916, in Coderno, Friuli, Italy, was a prominent Italian priest, poet, and intellectual. Renowned for his deep commitment to social justice, his profound spirituality, and his contribution to Italian literature, Turoldo’s life is a remarkable journey of faith, resistance, and artistic expression. His legacy is a tapestry woven with theological reflections, poetic genius, and an unwavering stance against fascism and social injustices.
Early Life and Religious Commitment
David Maria Turoldo was born into a large family, the ninth of ten children. His early years in the small village of Coderno were steeped in the simple, yet rich, traditions of rural Italy. At the age of thirteen, Turoldo entered the convent of Santa Maria al Cengio in Isola Vicentina, joining the Servite Order, a Roman Catholic mendicant order founded in the 13th century. It was here that he adopted the name David Maria, symbolizing his deepening commitment to his religious vocation.
In 1935, after a year of novitiate, he made his religious profession, and three years later, he took his solemn vows in Vicenza. Turoldo’s academic journey then led him to study theology and philosophy in Venice, where he was ordained as a priest in 1940 at the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Monte Berico by Archbishop Ferdinando Rodolfi.
Intellectual Pursuits and Early Fame
Following his ordination, Turoldo was sent to Milan, where he would begin a decade-long tenure as a preacher at the Duomo di Milano, one of Italy’s most significant religious and cultural sites. His sermons, delivered at the invitation of Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster, were known for their intellectual rigor and moral fervor, capturing the attention of the Milanese faithful.
During this period, Turoldo also pursued academic excellence. He enrolled at the Catholic University of Milan, where he studied under renowned philosopher Gustavo Bontadini. Turoldo completed his degree in philosophy in 1946 with a thesis titled “The Fatigue of Reason: Contribution to an Ontology of Man,” which highlighted his deep engagement with existential questions and his quest to understand the human condition.
Turoldo’s intellectual prowess did not go unnoticed. He was offered academic positions by Bontadini at the Catholic University of Milan and by literary critic Carlo Bo at the University of Urbino. However, Turoldo’s commitment to his religious and social missions led him to decline these opportunities, choosing instead to focus on his priestly duties and his role in the cultural and spiritual life of Italy.
The War Years and Resistance Against Fascism
The 1940s were a turbulent time in Italy, marked by the rise of fascism and the horrors of World War II. David Maria Turoldo was not a passive observer during these dark times. Instead, he became an active member of the antifascist resistance in Milan. Alongside his confrere, Camillo de Piaz, Turoldo played a significant role in the underground movement, providing shelter and assistance to those persecuted by the Nazi regime.
Turoldo’s involvement in the resistance was not just a matter of political defiance but also a profound expression of his Christian faith. He believed that resisting oppression and defending human dignity were not only political acts but also moral imperatives deeply rooted in the teachings of the Gospel.
After the war, Turoldo founded the Corsia dei Servi cultural center in Milan, which became a hub for intellectuals, artists, and activists committed to rebuilding Italy on the principles of democracy, justice, and peace. His work during this period laid the groundwork for his later contributions to Italian culture and spirituality.
Literary Contributions and Poetic Legacy
David Maria Turoldo is perhaps best known for his contributions to Italian literature, particularly his poetry, which reflects his spiritual depth and social consciousness. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Turoldo published several collections of poetry that garnered critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a leading literary figure.
One of his most famous works, “Io non ho mani” (“I Have No Hands”), published in 1948, won the prestigious Saint Vincent Literary Prize. This collection is marked by its lyrical beauty and its exploration of themes such as human suffering, divine presence, and the struggle for justice. The title poem, with its haunting imagery and poignant reflections, remains one of Turoldo’s most celebrated pieces:
I have no hands to caress my face,
(hard is the task of these words
that know no loves)
I do not know the sweetness
of your abandonments:
I have had to be
the guardian
of your solitude:
I am
the savior
of lost hours.
Turoldo’s poetry was not just an artistic endeavor but also a form of spiritual and social commentary. His verses often grappled with the existential challenges of faith, the mystery of God, and the complexities of the human soul. At the same time, they served as a voice for the marginalized and the oppressed, reflecting Turoldo’s lifelong commitment to social justice.
In addition to his poetry, Turoldo was a prolific writer of essays, sermons, and reflections on theology and philosophy. His works are characterized by their intellectual depth, their passionate advocacy for justice, and their unwavering commitment to the Christian message of love and compassion.
Exile and Return
Despite his growing fame and influence, Turoldo’s outspoken nature and his unwavering commitment to social justice often put him at odds with the ecclesiastical authorities. In 1953, Turoldo was forced to leave Milan due to his controversial views and his involvement in the resistance movement. He was transferred first to Austria and then to Bavaria, where he stayed in various Servite convents.
However, Turoldo’s exile did not silence him. He continued to write and to engage in intellectual and spiritual discourse, even as he moved from place to place. In 1955, he was transferred to Florence, where he lived at the convent of Santissima Annunziata. Here, Turoldo formed close relationships with figures such as Giorgio La Pira, the mayor of Florence, and Father Ernesto Balducci, both of whom were also deeply committed to social justice and peace.
Turoldo’s time in Florence was productive but also marked by further challenges. Eventually, he was forced to leave the city, leading to a period of wandering that took him across Europe and beyond. During this time, Turoldo worked on various projects, including the production of a film titled “Gli ultimi” (“The Last Ones”), based on his short story “Io non ero fanciullo” (“I Was Not a Child”). The film, which depicted the harsh realities of rural life in Friuli, was not well received by the local population, who found it too critical of their way of life.
The Later Years: A New Religious Community
In the 1960s, Turoldo found a new home in the ancient Cluniac priory of Sant’Egidio in Fontanella, near Bergamo. Here, he sought to create a new kind of religious community, one that would be open to laypeople and deeply engaged with the social and spiritual issues of the time. This community, which he called the “Casa di Emmaus” (“House of Emmaus”), was named after the biblical story of the disciples who met the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus.
The Casa di Emmaus became a place of hospitality, reflection, and dialogue, attracting people from all walks of life who were seeking a deeper understanding of faith and a more authentic way of living the Gospel. Turoldo’s vision for this community was rooted in his belief that the Church should be a place of encounter, where people could come together to share their struggles, their hopes, and their search for meaning.
Final Years and Legacy
In the late 1980s, David Maria Turoldo was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite his illness, he continued to write, preach, and engage with the world around him. His final years were marked by a deepening of his spiritual insights and a continued commitment to the causes he had championed throughout his life.
Turoldo passed away on February 6, 1992, in Milan, at the age of 75. His death was mourned by many, including Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, who had awarded him the Giuseppe Lazzati Prize just months before. Martini presided over Turoldo’s funeral, celebrating the life of a man who had been both a thorn in the side of the Church and one of its most passionate and prophetic voices.
David Maria Turoldo’s legacy is vast and multifaceted. He is remembered not only as a brilliant poet and intellectual but also as a man of deep faith and profound compassion. His writings continue to inspire those who seek to understand the mysteries of God and the complexities of the human condition. His life, marked by resistance, exile, and a relentless pursuit of justice, remains a powerful example of what it means to live out one’s faith in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
David Maria Turoldo was more than just a poet or a priest; he was a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. His commitment to social justice, his resistance against fascism, and his deep spirituality have left an indelible mark on Italian culture and on the global Church. Turoldo’s life story is a testament to the power of faith, the importance of standing up for what is right, and the enduring impact of words when they are spoken with truth and love.
Today, Turoldo’s works continue to resonate with readers, offering insights into the human soul and the divine mystery. His poetry, in particular, remains a source of inspiration, challenging us to confront our own struggles and to seek out the beauty and meaning in the world around us. David Maria Turoldo’s life and legacy remind us that even in the face of great suffering, there is always hope, and that through faith, creativity, and a commitment to justice, we can make a difference in the world.
